off the hinges

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off the hinges" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe an event or situation that runs wild or to mean that something has gone out of control. For example, you could say, "The birthday party was off the hinges; it was chaotic and loud."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Milt took the door off the hinges.

The New York Times

It just went flying off the hinges.

The New York Times

A door was ripped off the hinges.

The New York Times

"They ripped every door off the hinges at that front entrance.

The New Yorker

"We opened the gate, and then the gate came off the hinges".

The New York Times

If y'all beat on the door, she'll come off the hinges".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Sign up for tHisbrother VICE, Dannyered to your isbox daily.

Vice

The cabinet door in my kitchen has fallen off the hinge, the hot water tank just burst, the fridge door won't close properly and, I need a new roof.

Huffington Post

This makes it so that when you unscrew the screw, the body of the fan can hang off the hinge while you disconnect the wiring.

WikiHow

The door was sheared off at the hinges on the Volkswagen CC, the first vehicle to be evaluated by the I.I.H.S. to completely lose its door, the authors noted.

The New York Times

Take them off at the hinges and store them in another room or in a garage.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off the hinges" to vividly describe situations or behaviors that have become chaotic, unpredictable, or excessive. Ensure the context aligns with the informal and often hyperbolic nature of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "off the hinges" in contexts that require literal descriptions of broken doors or hinges. The phrase is primarily figurative and should be used to describe situations that are out of control, not actual structural damage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off the hinges" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as an adjective phrase to describe a state of disorder or irregularity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it often conveys that something is wildly out of control.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off the hinges" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe situations that have become chaotic or uncontrolled. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for informal contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media sources, it’s crucial to avoid literal interpretations and use it appropriately in figurative contexts. Alternatives like ""out of control"" or ""gone wild"" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of control

Indicates a loss of regulation or restraint.

gone wild

Suggests unrestrained or chaotic behavior.

unrestrained

Emphasizes the lack of limits or control.

derailed

Implies a deviation from the intended course or plan.

ungovernable

Highlights the inability to be controlled or managed.

in disarray

Describes a state of disorder or confusion.

broken loose

Suggests a forceful escape from confinement or control.

amok

Indicates a frenzied or uncontrolled state.

unhinged

Implies a state of mental instability or being emotionally upset.

gone mad

Expresses extreme irrationality or craziness.

FAQs

How can I use "off the hinges" in a sentence?

You can use "off the hinges" to describe a situation that is chaotic or out of control. For example, "The party got completely "out of control" and went "off the hinges"".

What does it mean when something is "off the hinges"?

When something is "off the hinges", it means that it is no longer under control, has become chaotic, or is behaving in an unrestrained manner. It's similar to saying something has "gone wild".

Is "off the hinges" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "off the hinges" is generally considered an informal expression. It is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing contexts. Use a more formal phrase like "in disarray" in professional settings.

What are some alternative phrases to "off the hinges"?

Some alternatives to "off the hinges" include ""out of control"", "unrestrained", or "gone mad". The best alternative depends on the specific context.